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Ivan Petrovich · 07-02-2012, 10:10 AM

Hey all,

I bought my first car with a standard tranny last week. It's an 07 Mazda3 GT hatchback and I'm loving it. I have some questions that perhaps you can answer.

First off, I am getting the hang of down-shifting and rev matching. Would you suggest using the engine to slow down, or to pop into neutral and use the brake? Or perhaps to stay in gear, and shift into neutral only when coming to a stop? I am curious, because with an auto transmission, theoretically, the computer should downshift for you as you the brakes are applied, should it not? This would minimize brake wear. Alternatively, brakes are designed to be replaced and cost less than replacing a clutch, etc.

Secondly, is it critical to learn the heel-and-toe method of slowing down and shifting down at the same time while rev matching? For example, I find myself struggling to decide what to do when coming to an off-ramp from the highway. Should I rev match and down shift from 5-4, then 4-3, or use the brake and down shift at the same time, or just use the brake and then down shift?

I welcome all advice. Cheers.

07-02-2012, 10:10 AM	#1
Ivan Petrovich Ready to be Man handled by RS! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 97 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Failed 0 Times in 0 Posts	Stick shift yaaaugh Hey all, I bought my first car with a standard tranny last week. It's an 07 Mazda3 GT hatchback and I'm loving it. I have some questions that perhaps you can answer. First off, I am getting the hang of down-shifting and rev matching. Would you suggest using the engine to slow down, or to pop into neutral and use the brake? Or perhaps to stay in gear, and shift into neutral only when coming to a stop? I am curious, because with an auto transmission, theoretically, the computer should downshift for you as you the brakes are applied, should it not? This would minimize brake wear. Alternatively, brakes are designed to be replaced and cost less than replacing a clutch, etc. Secondly, is it critical to learn the heel-and-toe method of slowing down and shifting down at the same time while rev matching? For example, I find myself struggling to decide what to do when coming to an off-ramp from the highway. Should I rev match and down shift from 5-4, then 4-3, or use the brake and down shift at the same time, or just use the brake and then down shift? I welcome all advice. Cheers.